Joseph P. Crowe, MD

Joseph P. Crowe, MD, 72, passed away on February 16, 2024 after a prolonged illness. He leaves a legacy of compassion, humility and dedication that continues to be an inspiration to family, friends, patients and colleagues. He was endlessly curious, loved people and enjoyed learning by talking and asking questions. He loved the art of conversation. To friends and family, he was known simply as “Joe.”   

Born on October 8, 1951, he was the son of the late Joseph P. and Margaret Jane (nee Sweeny) Crowe. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Mary Lind (nee Yurcich) Crowe, his three children: Elizabeth Crowe, Katherine Dong (Matthew), and J. Patrick Crowe (Beth); and his grandson, James. He is survived by his brother, Kevin Crowe, and sister, Kathleen Dunphy (Thomas). 

Dr. Crowe had a lifelong dream of becoming a surgeon. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School (Cleveland), he completed his undergraduate studies at Amherst College (Amherst, Massachusetts). He attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and finished a general surgery residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland followed by a fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York, New York).  

In 1985, Dr. Crowe joined the Department of General Surgery (University Hospitals of Cleveland) as an Attending Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery.  There he organized a Comprehensive Center for the treatment of breast disease, headed a multi-disciplinary Breast Cancer Task Force, oversaw a clinical research lab and brought to Cleveland its first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  

In 1994, Dr. Crowe was named Director of Breast Services at the Cleveland Clinic and Professor of Surgery in the Lerner College of Medicine where he was tasked with development of a system-wide breast cancer program with breast centers across the enterprise. It was an opportunity and a challenge that he relished.  He served in this capacity until his retirement.

As a globally recognized leader and innovator in his field, Dr. Crowe developed the nipple-sparing mastectomy surgical procedure, published more than 150 peer reviewed papers, trained countless surgical residents and created a fellowship program for training breast surgeons. He served as President of the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and held numerous other leadership positions. Yet, he considered care of his patients to be his greatest professional achievement.

Most important to Joe was his family. He was a champion for his children, encouraging them in both personal and professional pursuits. He and his wife, Mary Lind, referred to each other as a team and were partners in all their adventures. In retirement, he became an accomplished woodworker and together they enjoyed summer days at the family cottage in Pennsylvania, fishing, boating, and mowing the lawn on his riding mower. 

In honor of Dr. Crowe, charitable contributions can be made to the charity of choice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at the Church of St. Dominic, 3450 Norwood Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122 on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Lake View Cemetery.